Does Feiglin in 20th Place Mean the End of the Likud?

Oh no. Moshe Feiglin placed 20th and didn't get any other supporter elected with him on the Likud list, and rivals from across the political spectrum are calling the Likud a racist, extreme right wing party.

According to the Jpost: "The Likud was, the Likud is, and the Likud will remain a right-wing party that will isolate Israel in a corner and return us to times that we wanted to escape from," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. "If Bibi, Begin, Ya'alon and Feiglin come to power, it will cause significant diplomatic damage to Israel."

"Today it was proven that the Likud never ended its quota system for Sephardim and has pushed them back from their natural place," Shas chairman Eli Yishai said.

Yep, exactly. Why is it that Shas always needs to place the race card? I'm sorry PM Olmert, I didn't realise that you have left us in a situation of diplomatic strength!

The fact is that Feiglin failed in his attempt to hijack the Likud. He had no political coattails, and placed 20th. Can any of you tell me who is number 20 on the current Kadima list?

The fact is that rival parties are well aware that they may well crushed during the upcoming elections, and trying to scare the public is the only chance they have at keeping some electoral power.

Israeli Election Update: Netanyahu Unifies Party

With the focus now off the US presidential elections, the Israeli elections for prime minister now take center stage. With about 3 months left until the vote, Likud head and former PM Benjamin Netanyahu has managed confound analysts by actually unifying his center-right Likud party. The big knock against Netanyahu in the past is that he isn't exactly a 'people-person' and alienates those close to him.

Well news over the last few days that former highly regraded Likud members such as Benny Begin( son of former PM Menachem Begin) as well as Dan Meridor have rejoined the Likud party has given Netanyahu a big boost.

If Netanyahu can succeed in convincing the electorate that he can actually get along and not 'tick-off' everyone, than his chances of a large victory will be greatly enhanced.